Target 5 of the National Agenda for Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance is examined in this article. Specifically, this target highlights the need for improving assessment practices within the provision of services for children and youth with serious emotional disturbance. Three assessment areas are reviewed: risk factors, problem behavior, and reintegration of students. Within each of these areas, current research is reviewed and recommendations for best practices are provided. Implications for improving appropriate assessment are then considered.
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